Combination outlet and gutter construction for greenhouses



Dec..1 8, 1928.

. s. H. HART COMBINATION OUTLET AND CUTTER CONSTRUCTION FOR GREENHOUSESFiled April 5',

1 a 7. m w m Y W I W & NH. w T mw A 9 TM S w Dec. 18, 1928.

S. H. HART COMBINATION OUTLET AND GUTTER CONSTRUCTION FOR GREENHOUSES sSheets-Sheet 2 lags Filed April 5 Dec. 18, 192 8. 1,696,159

S. H. HART COMBINATION OUTLET AND GUTTER cons'rnucnou FOR eamnnousssFiled April 5, 1926 ,3 Sheets-Sheet 3 \NVENTOR BY in)!- A TORNE PatentedDec. 18, 1928.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

STEPHEN H. HART, OF IRVINGTON, NEW YORK, ASSTGNOR TO LORD & BURNHAMCOM?- PANY, OI! IBVINGTON, N EW YORK, A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK.

COMBINATION OUTLET AND GUTTER CONSTRUCTION FOR GBEEN HOUSES'L a licationfiled April 5, 1926. Serial No. 99,688.

This invention relates generally to greenhouses and more particularly itrelates to improved features of construction which will enable the rainwater from the main gutter and the water of condensation, within thehouse, to be disposed of.

One of the objects of. this invention is to provide a new and improvedcombination outlet and downspout for the main gutter and a supplemental,or dri gutter. The main gutter is the one whic carries away the rainwater, exterior of the house, and the supplemental, or drip gutter,carries away the water of condensation collected within the greenhouse.r

It is necessary in providing a combination outlet for water from two ormore different sources, one from without, and the other from within thegreenhouse, to provide open and unobstructed passages which are readilyaccessible so that leaves and twigs, or other obstructions, may beremoved.

A further object is to provide a combination outlet and downspout havingopen and unobstructed passages which are readily accessible for purposeof removing any possible obstruction. It is important that the passageof the outlet for the water from the main gutter be free fromobstructions in order to carry off the relatively large quantity ofWater during heavy rain fall. It is also highly desirable to provide anoutlet for the water from the drip gutter which is so arranged relativeto the main passage of the downspout that a straight implement, or wire,may be passed therethrough to clear the passage of leaves or otherobstructions.

A further object is to provide a combined outlet and downs out for amain gutter and drip gutter, in w ich the outlet passage for the dripgutter is protected and shielded so that the water from the main passagecannot enter the outlet for the supplemental or drip gutter.

A further object is to provide a combination outlet having amplecapacity for the respective gutters, and so arranged as to occupy aminimum space.

A further object is to provide a combinaof a standard leader pipe, whichstandard cylindrical leader pipe may be easily fitted to the ellipticalportion of the outlet by collapsing the standard leader pipe.

Still a further object is to provide a new and improved maingutterhaving on its upper surface a means to prevent the feet of workmen fromslipping, or sliding in the gutter.

A further object is to provide an improved main gutter adapted for usein. combination with a drip gutter, wherein a means for spreading, ordispersing the Water of condensation carried to the sides of the gutterfrom the roof bars, and to provide a further means for concentrating thedrip along a single line under the main gutter.

A further object is to provide an improved construction in forming atight joint between the gutter and the glass, and to provide an improvedmeans for holding the,

lower run of glass in position. By such an improved feature ofconstruction, the usual 2 shaped zinc strip which has heretofore beeninserted between the upper edge and the sides of the been eliminated.

A further object is to provide an improved bar clasp for supporting theend of the roof bar, which clasp, at the same time also serves as a stopfor positioning one edge of the lower run of glass.

A. further object is to provide in the combination of a main gutter anda drip gutter, an improved bracket for supporting the said gutter. I

gutter andthe glass has In the accompanying drawings and the followingdescription a preferred form of the invention, together with certainmodified forms, are shownand. described for purposes of. illustration.

In the drawings- Figure 1 is a view showing the combination outletdownspout in elevation, a section of the main gutter, and a section ofthe drip, or supplemental gutter.

Figure 1 is a rear elevation of the bar clasp.

Figure 2 is a View showing the combination outlet in section; the barclasp for supporting the roof bars on either side oi, the main gutter isalso shown in section.

Figure 3 is a section taken longitudinally of the main andsupplementalgutter.

Figure 4.- is a top plan view looking down upon the main gutter showingthe end portion of one of the roof bars.

Figure 5 is an elevation showing the relative arrangement of thecombination outlet, and the drip gutter.

Figure 6 is a top plan view of Figure 5.

Figure 7 is a vertical sectional view showing the modified form of thecombination outlet having the shielding apron, or baiile platecontinuous to adapt the combination outlet for more than twosupplemental gutters.

Figure 8 is a top plan View of Figure 7 showing more clearly a provisionfor an additional drip gutter from the side.

Figure 9' is a view showing a bracket in elevation, and the main gutterand the drip gutter in transverse section.

Figure 10 is a vertical transverse section taken through the center ofthe bracket.

Figure 11 is an elevation showing the modified form of the supportingbracket showing a form of bracket adapted for mounting on a flat surfaceinstead of a circular column. 1

Figure 12 is a horizontal section taken on the line 12-12 of Figure 11.

Figure 13 is a top plan of Figure 9.

Figure 14 is a longitudinal vertical section taken through the center ofthe gutters and brackets.

Figure 15 is an elevation showing the relative arrangement of the maingutter, the supplemental, or drip gutter, the combination outletdownspout, and the brackets for supporting the gutters on intermediateposts.

Figure 16 is a perspective view partially in section showing theimproved gutter with the ribs on the sides thereof for spreading thewater of condensation carried thereto from the roof bars, and alsoshowing the concentrating rib in the bottom of the gutter, nonslippingribs and putty retaining grooves.

Figure 17 is a perspective of the bar clasp. The combination outlet asshown in Figures 1 to (3 comprises in general a casing 1, preferablyoval in form. Projecting lugs 2 at the upper endof the casing areprovided, said lugs extending outwardly and upwardly to conform to theangle of the bottom of the gutter 3 to which the outlet is secured bysuitable means, such for example by a nut and bolt connection 4: (seeFigure 2).

The gutter as shown comprises upstanding sides 5 and 6, and a bottomgenerally V shape, comprising downwardly and inwardly sloping portions 7and 8 which meet at the center ofthe gutter as shown. 1

The water from the main gutter discharges in the upper portion of theoutlet, the bottom of the gutter being cut away, thus providing anopening corresponding to the shape of the upper portion of the outlet.

A supplemental, or drip gutter 9, supported byoutstanding V-shapedtroughs or brackets 10, integral parts of the outlet. The drip gutterisformed of a V-shaped angle bar. An aperture 11 is formed in the endwalls of the outlet casing through which aperture the water from thedrip gutter is discharged into the outlet. In order to prevent the waterdischarged from the main gutter exterior of the greenhouse from enteringthe drip gutter discharge aperture, which isin communication with theinterior of the greenhouse, a suitable shielding means, or battle skirt12 (see Figures 2, 3 and 6), is provided. As shown, this baillecomprises a vertical inner wall portion spaced from the outer wall ofthe casing which forms an independent vertical discharge passage for thewater from the drip gutter. The lower end of the balile shield extendspreferably to a point below the drip gutter discharge aperture. Theupper end of the drip gutter discharge passage is closed by a connectingportion 13 which joins the upper end of the baiiie shield with the outerwall of the casing. The sides of the drip gutter discharge passage arealso closed by extending the same so as to be continuous with the outer'all of the casing. This more clearly shown in Figure 6 in which theballie wall extends across one end of the oval shaped casing, andbetween the sides thereof. The outlet casing is preferably made oval inform so as not to interfere with the partition construction below andparallel with gutter. The perimeter of the lower portion of the ovalshaped casing is preferably designed to be the same in extent as thecircumference of the cylindrical leader pipe, so that a connection maybe readily made between the lower end of the outlet by collapsing, orbending, the leader pipe to correspond to the shape of the oval outlet.A combination outlet constructed as above provides an open andunobstructed discharge path for the water from the main gutter and alsofor the water discharged from the drip gutter. Independent dischargechambers are provided. One of the very desirable features of the baffleconstruction is that the discharge passage from the drip gutter may becleared of obstructions, such as leaves and twigs, by passing emma awire, or ether straight, implement through the. drip gutter. dischargeaperture. in the casing; this passage is thus cleared without requiringthere/moral, or disassembly of the drip gutter. This feature is a markedimprovement over other types of: combination outlets heretoforeprovided. It is under stood, of course, that the usual types of drainpipe strainers or sieves may be employed, if desired, without departingfrom the spirit and scope ot the. invention.

A modified form of outlet is shown in Figures 7 and 8. The outlet shownin these figures is arranged to. permit an additional drip gutter toenter the outletat 90 to the other drip gutters. Of course, by providingadditional drip gutter discharge apertures in the outlet casing, agreater number of gutters could be used. 1 In themodified form, theinner baflle plate 2 1is continuous, and, as shown, is formed concentricwith the outer Wall of the outlet casing providing an annular dripgutter discharge passage within the combination outlet. A drip gutter 9(see Figure 8) is shown entering the com bination outlet atright anglesto the other drip gutter 9. g

A leader pipe 23 normally cylindrical in form is collapsed in its upperend so as to correspond in shape with the lower end of the combinationoutlet. The water charged into the outlet from the main gut tor and thedrip gutter is thus carriedaway in the common downspout.

Gutter.

The gutter is provided with a projecting The Water of condensation is attimes deliv ered from the drip grooves of the root bars in considerablevolume so that unless a' means is provided for spreadingthe volume ofwater over a considerable surface there is a possibility that the waterwill continue in stream-like fashion and instead of following. the undersurface of the gutter, it will leave the gutter beforefinding its waydown to the lower portion of the gutter.

Preferably a dependent head or rib 17 is provided at the bottom of thegutter; such a rib serves to concentrate drip resulting fromthecondensation brought to and forming on the surface of the main gutter;as suringthe dropping of the water in drip gutter below.

i It frequently becomes necessary for workv clined portions of thebottom of the gutter.

Preferably, these ridges are not continuous, but are interrupted atintervals so as to form spaces l9 in order to permit the water fronrj.

the upper portion of the gutter bottom to drain through to the lowestcentral portion of the gutter bottom.

Bar clasp.

sirable to leave a free space at the end of a the roof barto allordcirculation of 'air. If the end of the roof bar is abutted againstanother surface, the end of the roof bar, at the point at which thewater is discharged from the drip groove, is kept in adamp, or moistcondition, and is likely to rot so that the roof bar is weakened atthepoint of support where strength is essential.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a bar clasp is provided which comprises avertical body web portion 25 whichis secured to the side of the gutterby suitable means, such for example as a nut and bolt connection 26. A

base support 27 projects upwardly and out wardly from a point adjacentto'the lower portion of the vertical body portion 25. The base portionserves as a support for the end of the roof bar. The roof bar may beheld in position upon the support 27 by means of a screw 28, or othermeans passing through the base 27 and into the roof bar 16. The sideportions 29 extend between the upstanding Webb por ion Y25 and the basesupport 27. Preferably," the side portions 29 are cut away as at 30(Figure 1) so as to permit circulation of air around the end of the roofbar. In order to permit the water of condensation to pass from the dripgroove 15, onto the vertical sides 5 and G of the main gutter, anaperture 31 is formed in the clasp. The water passes throughthe apertureonto the vertical side of the gutter and if the Water is in anyconsiderable volume, it is spread, or dispersed over a after which theWater follows the under side larger sur-- face as thewater passes overthebead 14L,

the end of the roof bar.

of the gutter down to the central concentrating bead 17, from which thewater drops into the drip gutter 9 below.

There is provided at the upper end of the vertical web portion of theclasp an angularly disposed cap portion The angularly disposed capportion extends beyond both sides of the vertical web portion so that onone side 34, it serves as a stop for Preferably, the roof bar isarranged so that the bar is undercut, as at so that the upper portion ofthe bar 36 overlies the top of the angularly disposed cap portion of theclasp. This is a very desirable feature because the water from the topoi the roof bar is conducted down to a point so that it is readilycarried oil to the main gutter and a. tight leak-proof joint is made atthis point of connection.

A portion of the angular cap extends outwardly and downwardly on theother side of the vertical web portion, and, when in assembled position,overlies the top edge of the gutter. A bead, or lip 37 extendsdownwardly from the end of the cap portion, and also outwardly beyondeach side of the cap portion so as to form stop 38 for the lower end ofthe first run of glass. This is a very desirable feature. By thisfeature of construction, the lower run of glass is held sccurely inposition without the necessity for the use of the Z-shaped stripheretofore used. A water tight joint is formed between the glass and theupper edge of the sides of the gutter by providing putty 39 in the puttyretaining groove 40 formed in the upper edge of the gutter sides.

A means is provided for supporting the.

main gutter and the supplemental, or drip gutter on columns, or postslocated at points intermediate the ends of the greenhouse. For thispurpose a suitable bracket is provided which may be mounted on the topof the supporting column. One preferred form ot' bracket is illustratedin Figures 9, 10 and 14. In these views, the bracket is shown mounted ona cylindrical post 47. The lower body portion of the bracket comprises acylindrical, or tubular portion 42 having a projecting annular rib 46within the casing which serves as a stop against which the top of thepost abuts to support the bracket. A suitable means may be provided forholding the bracket in position, such for example as a set screw 48. Theupper portion of the bracket is provided with arm portions 44 adapted toform a support for the main gutter bottom 7, 8. A suitable means may beprovided for holding the gutter in proper position relative to thebracket; for this purpose screws 54, or other suitable means may beprovided. The drip, or supplemental gutter may be supported below theconcentrating drip rib 17 of the main guttenandfor this purpose a seat43 preferably corresponding in shape formed in the seat of the bracketto receive the concentrating rib 17 on the bottom of the main gutter.The recess 52 is of such a size that the rib 17 is spaced from therecess when the gutter is mounted in the bracket. This is a verydesirable feature because it prevents the water of condensation whichmay run. along the bottom of the concentrating ridge 17 from flowing onto the sides of the bracket and possibly flowing down the post insteadof flowing into the drip gutter below. The water concentrated on theconcentrating rib 17 is, therefore, forced to drop into the drip gutterbelow. By providing a bracket having a body portion which is tubular,having a casing which is tubular in form, a bracket. of maximum strengthand minimum weight is obtained. The drip gutter is provided with asupport at two points spaced from each other, the space corresponding tothe distance. between the walls of the casing forming the body portionof the bracket.

A modified form of Figures 11 and 12. The bracket as shown in these.figures is adapted to be mounted on a flat surface 15 of a structural.supporting column. The upper portion of the bracket is substantially thesame as that above described but the lower portion is modified toprovide a flat supporting base 49; the bracket may be held in positionon the flat web 51 of the column in any suit able manner such forexample as by a bolt and nut connection 50.

lVhile certain preferred and modified forms have been shown in thisapplication, it is to be understood that various changes andmodifications may be made by the mechanics skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of this invention as covered by theclaims.

lVhat I claim is: v

1. A gutter comprising upstanding side portions, a V-shaped bottom and ameans comprising a dispersing ridge portion on the outer sides of thegutter near the bottom of the side portions, said dispersing ridgesserving to spread and break up the larger bodies of the water ofcondensation flowing downwardly on the outer surface of the uprightsides over the dispersing ridges to the under side of the gutter bottom.

2. A main gutter comprising upstanding side portions, a bottom havingoppositely inclined sloping portions and a dependent concentrating headportion extending longitudinally oi the gutter on the underside bracketis shown in thereof, said dependent head portion raised above the normalthickness of the gutter bottom and serving to concentrate the streams ofwater of condensation, and prevent the over-run of the streams of thewater of condensation from one sloping side of the under face of thegutter, to the other under face of the gutter, said concentrating beadalso serving to direct the water into a drip gutter below.

3. A main gutter comprising vertical portions having putty receivinggrooves in the upper edge thereof, a bottom for said gutter slopinginwardly and downwardly toward the center thereof, and a dispersingridge raised slightly above the normal thickness of the gutter extendinglongitudinally of the gutter on the outer sides thereof, adapted tointercept the downward flow of the water of condensation over saiddispersing ridge and spread the same over a relatively'larger surface onthe under face of the gutter.

4. A gutter comprising vertical side portions, a V shaped bottom, andnon-slipping means for the gutter comprising raised ridge portionsextending longitudinally of the gutter on the upper face of each of thesides of the V-shaped bottom, said raised ridge portions on each sidebeing arranged in series with space therebetween to permit the water todrain there-through.

5. In the combination of a gutter having upstanding sides, a V-shapedbottom, a drip utter disposed centrally of and below the portion of thegutter, and a roof bar, a clasp adapted tosupport said roof bar inproper position relative to the gutter, said clasp comprising a verticalweb portion in contact with said upstanding side, said vertical webhaving a portion cut away to form drain apertures to convey the dripwater to the upstanding side of the gutter, an angularly disposed baseadapted to support the roof bar, and to convey the water of condensationthrough said cut away drain aperture in the web, side portionsconnecting the base and the web to direct the drip water through saiddrain aperture, a stop near the upper end of the clasp against which theroof bar abuts, and an angularly disposed lip portion at the upper endof the vertical web portion of the clas said angular portion beingadapted to ht over the upper edge of the side of the gutter, a lipportion at the end of said angular portion extending downwardly andoutwardly beyond the sides of said angular portion whereby saidoutwardly extending portions serve as stops and positioning the lowerend of the glass, and an aperture in the side portion adjacent thevertical web to permit the water of condensation to pass from the roofbar to the side of the gutter,

and drop into a drip gutter disposed below and centrally of the Vportion of the gutter.

6. In the combination of a gutter, having upstanding sides, a V-shapedbottom, a dispersing ridge near the lower part of the upstanding side,and a roof bar having a condensation groove therein, a bar clasp adaptedto support the bar in spaced relation to the gutter, said claspincluding a vertical web adapted to engage the upstanding side, a baseintegral with the web for supporting the bar, side portions connectingthe base and vertical web said web having a cut away portion adjacentthe web and above the dispersing ridge to form a drain to direct thewater of condensation against the upstanding side of the gutter and oversaid dispersing ridge, whereby the water is spread and conveyedto thebottom of the V portion of the gutter from which the water drops into adrip gutter, and means for securing the clasp to the gutter.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature.

STEPHEN H. HART.

